Saturday, November 1, 2008

RADical healing

Now mind you Taz has his problems. But healing is taking place. This last week at school was Red Week. Say No to Drugs. One of the days they passed out these red bracelets. Somehow Taz ended up with two. He said "Mom do you want one? Then we can look the same." He made this cutsie pleading face. A year and a half ago this child was an angry, aggressive, destructive wild thing. Now he wants to wear a bracelet like mom. They can heal. Keep doing the theraputic parenting and never lose hope.

3 comments:

Hi BrendaI don't know if you remember me. i talked to you on the phone a few weeks ago about my girls. We live here in Beatrice also. I chack on your site often and you don't know what an inspiration you are to me. I feel so alone in this battle sometimes. You make it seem like we aren't the only ones! Thanks and keep up the good work!!

Find an Attachment Therapist

Symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder (as listed by Mayo Clinic)

"Reactive attachment disorder is broken into two types — inhibited and disinhibited. While some children have signs and symptoms of just one type, many children have both.

Inhibited type:In inhibited reactive attachment disorder, children shun relationships and attachments to virtually everyone. This may happen when a baby never has the chance to develop an attachment to any caregiver.Signs and symptoms of the inhibited type may include:Resisting affection from parents or caregiversAvoiding eye contactAppearing to seek contact but then turning awayDifficulty being comfortedPreferring to play aloneAvoiding physical contactFailing to initiate contact with othersAppearing to be on guard or waryEngaging in self-soothing behavior

Disinhibited type:In disinhibited reactive attachment disorder, children form inappropriate and shallow attachments to virtually everyone, including strangers. This may happen when a baby has multiple caregivers or frequent changes in caregivers.Signs and symptoms of the disinhibited type may include:Readily going to strangers, rather than showing stranger anxietySeeking comfort from strangersExaggerating needs for help doing tasksInappropriately childish behaviorAppearing anxiousA word of caution: Not all experts agree on the signs and symptoms of reactive attachment disorder. Some attachment therapists use checklists with numerous nonspecific signs and symptoms that go well beyond what the American Psychiatric Association includes in its definition of the disorder. Be cautious when trying to interpret checklists that include such symptoms as lack of eye contact, rage, aggression, lying, stealing, hoarding food, an apparent lack of a conscience, nonstop chatter, and a desire to wield control. These nonspecific symptoms are difficult to apply to any one diagnosis."

My own two children present their cases of RAD very differently from one another. A professional diagnosis is necessary as other disorders share some of the symptoms. If you are frustrated because your child has worked with a variety of therapists and a variety of treatments with no change maybe you should have him/her checked for RAD with an experienced Attachment Therapist. There is help. You are not alone.

Disclaimer:

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a profound disturbance. If you suspect your child may have RAD please seek the professional counsel of an attachment therapist. Above you will find links that will hopefully help you find an attachment therapist. This blog is just my thoughts and ideas as an adoptive mom. I do not know your child and cannot be responsible for results from trying any ideas you find on this blog.

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About Me

I am a children's therapist from Nebraska. My husband and I have raised 5 children. Two were diagnosed with RAD. They struggle in many ways, but have grown to be productive members of society and living on their own. There is hope for your child.